On paper this should be an easy win. But several factors are at play which mean this will be far from easy. Firstly, it's in Melbourne against a very talented and experienced team. The Bulldogs have been poor this season, but they have shown glimpses of what they once were, plus are still in finals contention. This is a must win game for them and not for us.
Moreover, the team news is worrisome. Very worrisome.
We lose Josh Kennedy to...well...to an eye injury...inflicted by an errant tennis ball at training. I don't know what to say to that, except shit. It's a huge loss, considering his role as our number 1 target and the fact he kicked 10 against the Dogs earlier in the year. It puts a lot of pressure on Lynch and Lecras to step up and kick goals.
More bad news in that Naitanui has been left out with 'soreness'. Now, I hope this is the 'literal' soreness and he only misses 1 week and not the Kerr 'soreness' and he's out for a month. It still puts us in a tight spot. Although Cox is great, in my opinion his best work is now done around the ground; mopping up down back, taking releieving marks etc. At times he has looked old and tired when rucking, at least in comparison to the energetic Naitanui. We also lose Naitanui's defensive pressure, perhaps his most critical ability.
The Dogs have SEVEN changes. Volatility in a team is a good thing...for the opposition.
But it's going to be tough. We're missing our best forward and midfielder. They'll be desperate. Yet, we have to win to maintain our push to the top 4.
We can do it, but it'll be a big challenge.
Saturday 30 July 2011
Tuesday 26 July 2011
Round 18 Recap: Eagles win boring Derby punctuated by unnervingly tight finish
Wow.
That was one boring game. Except for the frantic, desperate finish.
I guess a tight game was to be expected between two top 8 teams, who both put on a high level of pressure. Unfortunately it made for a low-scoring, static and at times downright dull game. And although we secured a 22 point lead half way into the last, it was the type of game where each team dominated in periods, so it was no surprise when Fremantle surged late.
What was surprising was the appalling, ridiculous, incredible, generally insane decision to penalise us for deliberate out of bounds. I believe it was Rosa who essentially spoiled the ball in the direction of the line, but in close proximity to a couple of players. How can it be deliberate when he did not even have control of the ball?
Anyway, on reflection I'm happy it happened. It allowed us, and the many haters out there, to bask in the glory of Ballantyne's stupidity. His celebration was both bizzare and hilarious. His shot clearly didn't make the distance, and yet he had already completed his lap of honour before this reality hit him. The expression upon his annoying little face, as the infintessimal piece of cheese in his head which acts a sort of brain substititute (97% intelligence free) registered this, was priceless.
Truly a great moment in the history of mankind.
So we got the win. Just. But it was critical. We did make some horrendous mistakes though. Three 50s resulting in 3 goals. Yes, the game was stymied by over-officiating, but the 50s were mainly avoidable.
Our kicking was also atrocious. JJK was a major culprit here.
Overall though, I'm fairly satisfied. It's clear we miss Kerr (and the attention he generates) but we fought hard and did enough to claim the 4 points.
Top 4 still looks a good possibility, but we face a tricky game against the Dogs on Saturday. It's our last game against the thug, so I hope we crush them...(again)
That was one boring game. Except for the frantic, desperate finish.
I guess a tight game was to be expected between two top 8 teams, who both put on a high level of pressure. Unfortunately it made for a low-scoring, static and at times downright dull game. And although we secured a 22 point lead half way into the last, it was the type of game where each team dominated in periods, so it was no surprise when Fremantle surged late.
What was surprising was the appalling, ridiculous, incredible, generally insane decision to penalise us for deliberate out of bounds. I believe it was Rosa who essentially spoiled the ball in the direction of the line, but in close proximity to a couple of players. How can it be deliberate when he did not even have control of the ball?
Anyway, on reflection I'm happy it happened. It allowed us, and the many haters out there, to bask in the glory of Ballantyne's stupidity. His celebration was both bizzare and hilarious. His shot clearly didn't make the distance, and yet he had already completed his lap of honour before this reality hit him. The expression upon his annoying little face, as the infintessimal piece of cheese in his head which acts a sort of brain substititute (97% intelligence free) registered this, was priceless.
Truly a great moment in the history of mankind.
So we got the win. Just. But it was critical. We did make some horrendous mistakes though. Three 50s resulting in 3 goals. Yes, the game was stymied by over-officiating, but the 50s were mainly avoidable.
Our kicking was also atrocious. JJK was a major culprit here.
Overall though, I'm fairly satisfied. It's clear we miss Kerr (and the attention he generates) but we fought hard and did enough to claim the 4 points.
Top 4 still looks a good possibility, but we face a tricky game against the Dogs on Saturday. It's our last game against the thug, so I hope we crush them...(again)
Sunday 24 July 2011
Round 18 Preview: Derby Redux
Today the Eagles have the opportunity to win both Derbies in a season, a feat not achieved since 2005. Honestly though, this statistical-emotional accomplishment pales in comparison to what is really at stake.
A win today is pivotal in our hopes of climbing into a top 4 position to secure the double chance. Carlton’s win last night makes it even more vital that we do the job today.
And do it we should. We are undoubtedly the superior team. Better game plan, more consistent, healthier and most importantly we have a less insane coach.
The Dockers are still without Sandi, whilst Kerr is still sore. Very sore.
Freo had a good win last week whilst we blew it against the Saints. Given the form line of these two teams, that sets us up nicely.
I don’t have much more to add. I could go on and on about Freo, how pathetic their history has been, what a pain in the arse Ballantyne is, what a pain in the arse Pavlich is, what a pain in the arse Crowley is...etc. etc.
But I’m above that. Well, not really. I'll save it for the recap.
Let’s just get it done.
Thursday 21 July 2011
Harvey: Mole leaked info. to Eagles; Moon Landing was staged; Hitler is living in my Basement
I've always wondered whether Mark Harvey was all there, so to speak. If he actually meant what he said, then he is at the very least a little bit conspiratorial.
But hey, if there was a mole inside Freo, who would it be? Well, the most mole-like of the players has got to be Ballantyne himself. Hes' about 3 feet tall, lives underground and is vision impaired (by the looks of his haircut anyway).
In seriousness though, if there is a 'mole' inside the Dockers, it does suggest that even Fremantle employees are really Eagles fans right?
But hey, if there was a mole inside Freo, who would it be? Well, the most mole-like of the players has got to be Ballantyne himself. Hes' about 3 feet tall, lives underground and is vision impaired (by the looks of his haircut anyway).
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In seriousness though, if there is a 'mole' inside the Dockers, it does suggest that even Fremantle employees are really Eagles fans right?
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Remembering Bazza: Hall hangs up gloves- A West Coast Perspective
Barry Hall is retiring at the end of the season. Apparently he wishes to be remembered as a Dog not a Swan. I will remember him as a thuggish brute. Bitter much? You bet your arse I am.
He's a guy who should have never been allowed to compete in the 2005 Grand Final. He punched Matt McGuire in the guts about 100m off the ball in the preliminary final. Incredibly, he wasn't suspended. It's not a stretch to think we would have won the 05 premiership if Hall didn't play in the ultimate game of the season. In my mind, it not only robbed us, but tainted the league and the tribunal process in terms of objectivity.
It's interesting to consider that if the incident wasn't during the finals if he would have been suspended. How about if he didn't play for Sydney, a franchise in desperate need of success? If it were the Q who had thumped a defender would he have been allowed to play?
I argue 'hell to the no'.
Yet, it was barely mentioned in the aftermath of the Swans victory and Hall's vital performance. It wasn't convenient for the narrative the Victorian AFL media wanted to write: An amazing win by the underdog against a much more talented side. The Swans had great spirit, brilliant coaching...blah blah blah....(Walls holding a book over his pants to conceal arousal.)
Then there was Hall's definining moment in 2008. His K.O punch of Staker. The incident speaks for itself. It was assault, plain and simple. It was brutish and disgraceful.
So whilst the media fawn over 'Big Bad Bustling', I say good riddance to one of the game's most violent, dangerous, sociopathic players.
He's a guy who should have never been allowed to compete in the 2005 Grand Final. He punched Matt McGuire in the guts about 100m off the ball in the preliminary final. Incredibly, he wasn't suspended. It's not a stretch to think we would have won the 05 premiership if Hall didn't play in the ultimate game of the season. In my mind, it not only robbed us, but tainted the league and the tribunal process in terms of objectivity.
It's interesting to consider that if the incident wasn't during the finals if he would have been suspended. How about if he didn't play for Sydney, a franchise in desperate need of success? If it were the Q who had thumped a defender would he have been allowed to play?
I argue 'hell to the no'.
Yet, it was barely mentioned in the aftermath of the Swans victory and Hall's vital performance. It wasn't convenient for the narrative the Victorian AFL media wanted to write: An amazing win by the underdog against a much more talented side. The Swans had great spirit, brilliant coaching...blah blah blah....(Walls holding a book over his pants to conceal arousal.)
Then there was Hall's definining moment in 2008. His K.O punch of Staker. The incident speaks for itself. It was assault, plain and simple. It was brutish and disgraceful.
So whilst the media fawn over 'Big Bad Bustling', I say good riddance to one of the game's most violent, dangerous, sociopathic players.
Round 17 Recap: Eagles show up 30 minutes late to Etihad; Unsurprisingly lose
As I sat there watching the Saints go up 44 to 1, I thought "this is how I imagined this entire season". We were getting smashed from the centre, turning over the ball and looking generally like a massive homunculus comprised from the cross-pollination of Ebert, Mackenzie, Masten and strangely...Neville Longbottom (in the first few books/films). Gryffindor legends aside, it was bloody awful.
Then...we decided to try. Amazingly, we started winning the ball, kicking more efficiently and yes, even scoring.
But even when we hit the front in the 3rd, I didn't think we would finish strongly. I got the sense that we had consumed all our psychological and physical energy pulling ourselves out of a 7 goal to none mire. So it came as no surprise when the Saints finished better in the last.
I was disappointed, but also quite content. I was disappointed in a loss which means we stay in 5th. I was content in our response to the atrocious start. Credit must go to Worsfold, primarily. He gave an interview at quarter time and he was extremely calm and composed. It's good to see he can transpose that on his players under difficult circumstances.
I was also impressed with a few individual performances. Gaff may have looked underdone early, but from the 2nd term onward he got a heap of the ball and showed great poise. Naitanui also showed flashes of brilliance. But there were more flashes than there usually is. For only the second time in his career he had 5 marks in a game.
Other players weren't so good. The usual suspects in Mackenzie and Ebert proved they still can't kick a football. Lecras was also poor.
Overall, we got what we deserved. You can't go behind 44 to 1 and expect to win. I hope the players feel spurned by that defeat. We've got the derby this week. If we are to make the top 4 we must beat the Dockers.
I get the feeling their fans think they're a chance. Alas, delusional as usual.
Then...we decided to try. Amazingly, we started winning the ball, kicking more efficiently and yes, even scoring.
But even when we hit the front in the 3rd, I didn't think we would finish strongly. I got the sense that we had consumed all our psychological and physical energy pulling ourselves out of a 7 goal to none mire. So it came as no surprise when the Saints finished better in the last.
I was disappointed, but also quite content. I was disappointed in a loss which means we stay in 5th. I was content in our response to the atrocious start. Credit must go to Worsfold, primarily. He gave an interview at quarter time and he was extremely calm and composed. It's good to see he can transpose that on his players under difficult circumstances.
I was also impressed with a few individual performances. Gaff may have looked underdone early, but from the 2nd term onward he got a heap of the ball and showed great poise. Naitanui also showed flashes of brilliance. But there were more flashes than there usually is. For only the second time in his career he had 5 marks in a game.
Other players weren't so good. The usual suspects in Mackenzie and Ebert proved they still can't kick a football. Lecras was also poor.
Overall, we got what we deserved. You can't go behind 44 to 1 and expect to win. I hope the players feel spurned by that defeat. We've got the derby this week. If we are to make the top 4 we must beat the Dockers.
I get the feeling their fans think they're a chance. Alas, delusional as usual.
Saturday 16 July 2011
Round 17 Preview: Saints v Eagles
I didn't bother to recap the Cats victory. The game blogged for itself. An amazing performance in an amazing season.
The top 4 now beckons. Based on my predictions, we will easily finish 4th. Yet, we must not get complacent. Tonight's game is going to be difficult. The Saints are semi-improved on their early season form. How much improved? I guess we find that out tonight.
Kerr is out with the dreaded 'soreness', whilst Swift and McGinnity have been omitted. Kerr's a significant loss, but we gain Waters, Lynch and Gaff. I hope Gaff isn't the sub, I want to see what the kid has got over the length of a match. After all, he was pick 4 in the draft. Waters is a backline general.... but we already have 2 in Hurn and Glass...so I guess he can be a colonel or major or something. The point is he is a hard nut. Not pea not almond but macadamia. You need a vice to crack this bastard. Or just touch his elbow with a feather and he's out for 12 weeks (I kid). Lynch is also from the family Proteaceae. He is integral to our forward structure, irregardless of his jerkishness in front of goal.
The Saints are a dreadfully boring team (except off field). They have all the charm of Koschitzke and the beauty of Steven Milne. Yet, they can still restrict teams fairly well.
I don't think well enough though. The loss of Kerr does place some added pressure on Shuey and Priddis, but if we play our game we should win. As long as we don't fall asleep....
Let's rock the dome.
The top 4 now beckons. Based on my predictions, we will easily finish 4th. Yet, we must not get complacent. Tonight's game is going to be difficult. The Saints are semi-improved on their early season form. How much improved? I guess we find that out tonight.
Kerr is out with the dreaded 'soreness', whilst Swift and McGinnity have been omitted. Kerr's a significant loss, but we gain Waters, Lynch and Gaff. I hope Gaff isn't the sub, I want to see what the kid has got over the length of a match. After all, he was pick 4 in the draft. Waters is a backline general.... but we already have 2 in Hurn and Glass...so I guess he can be a colonel or major or something. The point is he is a hard nut. Not pea not almond but macadamia. You need a vice to crack this bastard. Or just touch his elbow with a feather and he's out for 12 weeks (I kid). Lynch is also from the family Proteaceae. He is integral to our forward structure, irregardless of his jerkishness in front of goal.
The Saints are a dreadfully boring team (except off field). They have all the charm of Koschitzke and the beauty of Steven Milne. Yet, they can still restrict teams fairly well.
I don't think well enough though. The loss of Kerr does place some added pressure on Shuey and Priddis, but if we play our game we should win. As long as we don't fall asleep....
Let's rock the dome.
Friday 8 July 2011
Round 16 Preview: Eagles v Cats
If an eagle fought a cat in the 'real world' we know who would win...or do we? It would depend on various factors; the type of cat/eagle, their respective sizes, age, experience in battle etc. The same considerations apply in the 'football world'. One big factor is the players available to each team.
This is an indirect way of expressing my concern over a couple of key omissions. The much-maligned (by me) Sam Butler (herafter known as Jeeves) is out with injury (shock horror) whilst Mr Q himself has been suspended. Earlier this week I heard reports of the imminent return of Beau Waters, but these have been made false by today's team news. Alas, two experienced players out. In comes a big 'meh' and a slight 'damn' in Pat McGinnity. An okay player, but he doesn't replace either of Jeeves or Q. Koby Stevens also returns for his first game this year. I honestly don't remember the guy, at all. Well, I remember his name. Apparently he played 5 games last year. No surprise that I don't recall him, as I have stated before last year is a blur of horribleness.
The notable omission for the Cats is Mackie (blah). In comes Varcoe and Corey.
Those 'outs' for us hurt, but we are still going to win. Call me crazy, but I don't rate the Cats, not to the extent that their record might suggest I should. I don't even care about their loss last week. They may try to bounce back, but we are fresh off the bye, full of confidence and on our home turf.
Needless to say, I hate the Cats. They are smarmy bastards; the epitomy of blandness, the darlings of the AFL media. Seriously, when Walls talks about them someone is liable to get poked in the eye (if you get my drift). I look back to '07 and think we could have done them that year. Obviously injuries stymied any chance of that, but such is life.
Anyway, massive game in prime time. It's critical to our top 4 chances, with Hawthorn and Carlton nigh certainties to win this week.There's no reason to be apprehensive. It's a new era. We crushed the Dockers. We dismantled the Juddas. The Cats are next.
This is an indirect way of expressing my concern over a couple of key omissions. The much-maligned (by me) Sam Butler (herafter known as Jeeves) is out with injury (shock horror) whilst Mr Q himself has been suspended. Earlier this week I heard reports of the imminent return of Beau Waters, but these have been made false by today's team news. Alas, two experienced players out. In comes a big 'meh' and a slight 'damn' in Pat McGinnity. An okay player, but he doesn't replace either of Jeeves or Q. Koby Stevens also returns for his first game this year. I honestly don't remember the guy, at all. Well, I remember his name. Apparently he played 5 games last year. No surprise that I don't recall him, as I have stated before last year is a blur of horribleness.
The notable omission for the Cats is Mackie (blah). In comes Varcoe and Corey.
Those 'outs' for us hurt, but we are still going to win. Call me crazy, but I don't rate the Cats, not to the extent that their record might suggest I should. I don't even care about their loss last week. They may try to bounce back, but we are fresh off the bye, full of confidence and on our home turf.
Needless to say, I hate the Cats. They are smarmy bastards; the epitomy of blandness, the darlings of the AFL media. Seriously, when Walls talks about them someone is liable to get poked in the eye (if you get my drift). I look back to '07 and think we could have done them that year. Obviously injuries stymied any chance of that, but such is life.
Anyway, massive game in prime time. It's critical to our top 4 chances, with Hawthorn and Carlton nigh certainties to win this week.There's no reason to be apprehensive. It's a new era. We crushed the Dockers. We dismantled the Juddas. The Cats are next.
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